North American O-47
North American Aviation · United States · first flew 1935 · fighter
The North American O-47 was a large three-seat observation monoplane designed for the US Army Air Corps in the mid-1930s to replace obsolete biplane observation aircraft. Its distinctive feature was a large glazed canopy giving the observer a wide downward field of view.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.63 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 1930s US Army observation monoplane with large greenhouse canopy
- Fixed spatted undercarriage
- Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial engine
A large mid-wing monoplane with a prominent raised observer's compartment beneath the rear fuselage providing downward vision, and a generous three-seat greenhouse cockpit canopy. The fixed undercarriage has large teardrop-shaped wheel fairings.
Specifications
- The North American O-47 has a length of 9.63 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.72 m (45 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 354 km/h (220 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering USAAC service in 1937, the O-47 was the most advanced American observation aircraft of its era. By the time the US entered World War II it was already considered obsolete for frontline use and was relegated to training and coastal patrol duties.
Variants
The O-47A and O-47B were the main production variants, differing in engine variant and minor equipment; a small number of each were built, totalling around 200 aircraft.
Where you'll see it
The O-47 served with the USAAC and early USAAF in the late 1930s and early years of World War II. Some National Guard units flew O-47s during coastal patrol duties along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast in 1941-42.
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